Malaysia’s Abnormal Studios has acquired the theatrical distribution rights for Malaysia and Brunei for “Mimpi Kita: Castle in the Air,” the fantasy and sci-fi feature film that recently participated in the It Project section of the NAFF Project Market at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.

The company will also act as international sales agent for the film, excluding those two territories, when it launches the title at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan this October.

Abnormal Studios, a subsidiary of Westec Media Limited, releases around 100 titles annually in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Mongolia and Nepal. His recent releases include “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” and “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled in.” For “Mimpi Kita,” the company will work with the filmmakers on marketing assets and national launch strategy, incorporating Kotodama Lab’s audience engagement algorithm into the theatrical campaign.

“Mimpi Kita: Castle in the Air” is directed by Arifin Ajib and produced by Anti Gravity Euphoria Sdn Bhd and Da Huang Pictures, the company run by Malaysian New Wave figure Tan Chui Mui.

“At Abnormal Studios, we’re always on the lookout for projects that push the boundaries and go beyond the norm. Kotodama’s strategy for audience building is very impressive and aligns with how we envision innovation in distribution for the future, and we’re excited to be working with the Mimpi Kita team to explore how we can bring our expertise to bear in growing an audience in the region,” said Stephanie Lee, Head of International Business at Abnormal Studios.

“BIFAN NAFF gave us the privilege of being in a room full of people who already know how to convey a story like this,” added Foo Hui Yin, executive producer of Kotodama Lab. “Abnormal Studios stands out because they have truly connected independent Asian films with the audiences that needed to find them, both at home and abroad. As our international sales agent, they are opening doors that we couldn’t open alone, while helping us bring the film back to Malaysian audiences first. It’s a true testing ground. to combine audience participation tools with a traditional theatrical release.

“Developing a story becomes a lot clearer when you really know who you’re making it for,” said director Ajib. “Partnering with Abnormal gives us a real opportunity to demonstrate that original concepts can find an audience in this market.”

Aside from the Abnormal deal, the “Mimpi Kita” team will host a fundraising event on August 14 in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, in association with the Nine Arts Festival. The event is aimed at potential equity funders and will include a pre-event dinner, an art installation incorporating physical pieces from the film, and the release of the film’s original soundtrack.